Topuria and Makhachev dispute who turned down White House fight

Ilia Topuria claimed he went to sleep knowing he would fight Islam Makhachev at the White House event, only to be told hours before the announcement that Makhachev was injured and he would face Justin Gaethje instead. Topuria stated he doesn't understand why Makhachev doesn't want to fight him. In response, Makhachev said he is tired of the fabrications from Topuria and his team, claiming he accepted the White House fight but was told the next day that Topuria requested a huge fee and was denied. Makhachev insisted that even Topuria's manager confirmed this version, and accused Topuria of lying about refusing the bout. The conflicting accounts have created confusion about what actually transpired in negotiations. Both fighters maintain the other side is responsible for the fight falling through.